American Libraries Dewey Decibel Podcast

As 2024 comes to a close and we look ahead, Call Number with American Libraries reflects on the important work of librarians and our beloved institutions. In Episode 99, the Call Number team presents exclusive clips from conversations with authors we interviewed this past year, including Hanif Abdurraqib, Kwame Alexander, Connie Chung, Kate DiCamillo, Max Greenfield, Vashti Harrison, Maggie Nichols, and Jesús Trejo. In these clips, they share the role that books, libraries, and library workers have played in their lives.

Small and rural libraries don't always have the same resources and opportunities that urban libraries do. But they still have big ideas about how to serve their communities—and, as we hear in Episode 98, they find ways to realize them. At Burlingame (Kans.) Community Library, sensory spaces and a new loanable resource collection are improving the lives of patrons with disabilities and their families. Meanwhile, at North Liberty (Iowa) Library, staffers are moderating discussions on hot-button topics that are getting community members to open up, listen to one another, and connect. Both libraries have received funding from the American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) grant program. Learn more about LTC grant-funded projects throughout the US in “Libraries Transforming Communities, One Year Later,” published in the November/December 2024 issue of American Libraries.

Books flying off the shelves. Shadowy figures roaming the hallways. Unexplained sounds. What's going on at Peoria (Ill.) Public Library? Is the building possessed by spirits hovering above cursed ground? Or are these apparitions just a sign that librarians have been spending too much time in the stacks? Do not attempt to adjust your audio. In this rebroadcast of Episode 31, “The Haunting of Peoria Public Library,” past-host Phil Morehart road-trips to Central Illinois to get to the bottom of these strange happenings. Along the way, he enlists the advice of professionals—including award-winning nonfiction author and well-known debunker Mary Roach (Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife) and paranormal writer and speaker John B. Kachuba (Ghosthunting Illinois)—and interviews staffers at Peoria Public Library and Bradley University Library about their otherworldly encounters.

Libraries are so much more than their physical collections. They offer digital resources, innovative programs, essential services, new technologies, and opportunities to socialize. But not everyone knows this. That's why OverDrive has started Check Out Your Library, an initiative that aims to reintroduce communities to their local libraries. In this bonus episode, sponsored by OverDrive, we learn more about Check Out Your Library and the campaign's Fiction and Film Tour. American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski talks with Jen Leitman, chief marketing officer of OverDrive, about how the program is building public awareness and helping libraries fulfill their missions. For more information on Check Out Your Library—and how you can get involved—visit checkoutyourlibrary.com. And for marketing tools, trainings, and more, visit OverDrive's Resource Center at resources.overdrive.com.

The recent wave of book bans and other censorship attempts have threatened democracy, restricting access and the rights of many readers. In Episode 87, Call Number looks at how libraries and library workers are on the front lines defending intellectual freedom. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Peter Coyl, immediate past president of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and director and CEO of Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library. They talk about FTRF's recent work in support of intellectual freedom and library workers. They're joined by Sukrit Goswami, current president of FTRF and director at Haverford (Penn.) Free Township Library, who shares his presidential goals. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett talks with Martha Hickson, media specialist at North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, New Jersey. They discuss Hickson's efforts to fight book bans and protect children's right to read, including recruiting the help of author David Levithan, despite the personal attacks she has faced from community members. And finally, Kim Crutcher, a licensed mental health counselor who was onsite at ALA's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition's Community of Care room, offers a special guided meditation—a good reminder for all to prioritize our wellbeing.

As any library staffer who has gone through a building renovation knows, significant behind-the-scenes work goes into updating or overhauling a facility. From working with architects to communicating with committees to soliciting community feedback, rethinking a library doesn't happen overnight. On Episode 75, the podcast team focuses on library design and architecture.First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Michael Haddock, associate dean for research, education, and engagement at Kansas State University Libraries in Manhattan. They talk about the fire that damaged Hale Library in 2018, the flagship library of K-State, and how staffers have rallied around a rebuild. Then, former Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Amelia Anderson, assistant professor at Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and Abigail Phillips, assistant professor at the School of Information Studies at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. They discuss how to create public library makerspaces that are accessible for all.

Summer is in full swing. This means getting outside, soaking up some sunshine, and listening to our favorite tunes—from oldies-but-goodies to today's hits. In Episode 97, Call Number covers music. Some libraries offered programs, hosted listening parties, and transformed into mini concert venues to celebrate their favorite musician's latest release. American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kafi-Ayanna Allah, adult services program coordinator at Orange County (N.C.) Public Library; Yesenia Baltierra, assistant library director at Placentia (Calif.) Library District; and Lizbeth Gamez, public service specialist at Dallas Public Library, about events they organized for local patrons who love Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and K-Pop. Then, library workers at the American Library Association's 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego share memories from the first concert they attended. Finally, American Libraries editor-at-large Anne Ford speaks with librarian and Grammy Award–winning French horn player Joy Worland. Worland is the consultant for continuing education and small and rural libraries at the Vermont Department of Libraries. She has performed regularly with a number of professional orchestras and chamber music groups, including the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, where she earned multiple Grammy Awards as associate principal horn. They discuss her illustrious career as a librarian and musician and how the worlds connected.

Next week, we're on route to San Diego for the American Library Association's 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition. In Episode 96, Call Number explores “America's Finest City” through the lens of local librarians. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Tim Tully, instruction and outreach librarian for San Diego State University's Surf and Skate Studies Collaborative. He shares the origins of these local subcultures, how they have evolved, and where to go if you want to catch waves or hit a kickflip. Then, librarians from the area recommend their favorite spots to grab a taco. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett chats with Kelley Woolley, who oversees the library for San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They discuss notable items in the zoo's library and the role the city's 52-year-old institution plays in animal conservation. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), SoundCloud, or Spotify and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome your feedback.

In Episode 95, Call Number highlights ways libraries are practicing and promoting sustainability. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski pays a visit to the Sulzer Regional branch of Chicago Public Library, which hosts a repair café every month. At these events, participants bring household items in need of mending to the library. Volunteers with toolkits fix the items, sparing them from the landfill. Next, members of ALA's Sustainability Round Table share what their libraries do to help the environment. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Dan Wilson, deputy director of Claude Moore Health Sciences Library at University of Virginia in Charlottesville. They discuss one-page disaster plans—what they are and why your library might need one. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), SoundCloud, or Spotify and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome your feedback.

In Episode 94, Call Number celebrates Preservation Week, this year held April 28–May 4. With the theme of “Preserving Identities,” the week's events aim to raise awareness of the role libraries and cultural institutions play in protecting historic and culturally significant collections. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Indigenous author Traci Sorell, the honorary chair of this year's Preservation Week. Sorell, a former attorney who worked on Native Nations policy, discusses preservation's part in telling stories. Next, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kathleen Monahan, special collections public services supervisor at Boston Public Library, about the importance of security in preservation. Monahan, who cochairs the Security Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of ALA's Association of College and Research Libraries, provides insight into the committee's recently updated Guidelines Regarding the Security of Special Collections Materials. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Rosie Grayburn and Melissa Tedone, cofounders of the Poison Book Project, a joint initiative of Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library (WMGL), and the University of Delaware (UD) in Newark. Grayburn is head of the scientific research and analysis laboratory at WMGL and an affiliated associate professor in the Winterthur–UD program in art conservation. Tedone is assistant professor for library and archives conservation at UD and associate director of the Winterthur–UD program in art conservation. They discuss their research on potentially toxic bookbinding materials from the 19th century. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), SoundCloud, or Spotify and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome your feedback.

From chatbots to image generators to robot companions, artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic across many industries right now. In Episode 93, Call Number explores how AI is emerging in libraries. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Cheryl Eberly and Larry Singer, both from Santa Ana Public Library in California. They discuss the library's AStounD initiative, which provides neurodivergent youth with access to robots that help them build social-emotional skills. This includes an AI robot named Moxie, who is available for checkout. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Elissa Malespina, teacher-librarian at Union High School in New Jersey. Malespina's website and newsletter, the AI School Librarian, offers news and resources to help other information professionals navigate the fast-growing technology. They discuss generative AI and the ways in which today's students, teachers, and librarians are using it in schools.

Still reeling from Super Bowl excitement? In Episode 92, Call Number features conversations with librarian athletes who represent three sports: wheelchair racing, pickleball, and powerlifting. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Paralympian and librarian Amanda McGrory. McGrory, a seven-time medalist, has competed in wheelchair racing in four Paralympic games. Now retired from racing, she oversees the archive for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Then, American Libraries Senior Editor Greg Landgraf chats with Drew Evans, retired law librarian and pickleball enthusiast. Evans calls himself the Pickleball Librarian and uses social media to promote and teach this trending sport. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with nationally recognized competitive powerlifter Hilary Schiraldi. Schiraldi also serves as business librarian and interim head of the social sciences division at University of California, Berkeley.

In Episode 91, Call Number explores Baltimore, where ALA will hold its 2024 LibLearnX conference, January 19–22. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with David Thomas and Tonya Thomas, both chefs and food historians. The husband-and-wife duo is behind Baltimore's H3irloom Food Group, a culinary organization with a mission of uplifting the Black food narrative through catering and educational events. They discuss their cooking journeys and how the city has influenced their work. Then, school librarians across Maryland share their favorite aspects of Baltimore culture and history. Finally, Panuncial talks to Eden Etzel and Aditya Desai, literature experts from education nonprofit Maryland Humanities. They explore local literary history and the landmarks that may interest librarians. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), SoundCloud, or Spotify and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

As we say farewell to 2023, we look back at another year of unprecedented book challenges, efforts to defund libraries, and other threats to the profession. But one silver lining has been the authors who have voiced their support for librarians, books, and democracy. In Episode 90, Call Number presents its “2023 Author Chats.” Hear never-before-released clips from conversations with Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel, James Patterson, Rick Riordan, Brian Selznick, Clint Smith, Tracy K. Smith, Angie Thomas, and Kelly Yang. They share how libraries have been an integral part of their life and work—often highlighting how the library has been a sanctuary throughout their lives.

Libraries can be a lifeline for incarcerated or detained individuals and their families. In Episode 89, Call Number discusses creative programs in prison libraries. First, poets and prison reform activists Reginald Dwayne Betts and Randall Horton talked with former ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall back in an interview conducted last July. Betts and Horton, who were formerly incarcerated, now spearhead respective literary program: Betts founded Freedom Reads, which installs 500-book Freedom Libraries in prisons and juvenile detention centers, and Horton cofounded Radical Reversal, which holds literary and musical workshops and creates performance and recording spaces in detention centers and correctional facilities. They discussed the importance of access to books while incarcerated, how censorship creates barriers to that access, and what they hope for ALA's newly revised Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Lisa Prins, manager of adult and community education, and Allison Sivak, faculty engagement librarian, both at University of Alberta in Edmonton. In 2022, the university launched its Correspondence Book Club at the Edmonton Institution for Women, which provides women who are incarcerated with themed writing and art-making prompts. They were joined by Mariel Silva, a formerly incarcerated individual and former book club participant. Note: The sound quality in the Correspondence Book Club segment varies. For more on ALA's newly revised Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained and our episode guests, check out our November/December feature story, “Lighting the Way.” Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter/X, SoundCloud, or Spotify and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

Grab your spell books, get those cauldrons bubbling, and ready your broomsticks. In Episode 88, Call Number delves into the world of witchcraft. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Dan Lipcan, of Phillips Library at Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The two discuss the library's vast collection of materials related to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials and debunk common myths and misconceptions. Then, three staffers from Troy (Mich.) Public Library—director Emily Dumas; livia Olson, head of community engagement; and Nicole Armstrong, marketing associate—share spine-tingling snippets from the winning entries of the library's 2022 Scary Story Contest. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with KL Pereira, archivist and curatorial information manager at Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Pereira has taught classes at libraries on how to perform tarot card readings and shares the ways in which library workers can implement similar programs. Plus, watch the video on americanlibraries.org to hear Pereira giving Panuncial a personal reading—you don't want to miss Pereira's expertise at work.

The recent wave of book bans and other censorship attempts have threatened democracy, restricting access and the rights of many readers. In Episode 87, Call Number looks at how libraries and library workers are on the front lines defending intellectual freedom. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Peter Coyl, immediate past president of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and director and CEO of Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library. They talk about FTRF's recent work in support of intellectual freedom and library workers. They're joined by Sukrit Goswami, current president of FTRF and director at Haverford (Penn.) Free Township Library, who shares his presidential goals. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett talks with Martha Hickson, media specialist at North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, New Jersey. They discuss Hickson's efforts to fight book bans and protect children's right to read, including recruiting the help of author David Levithan, despite the personal attacks she has faced from community members. And finally, Kim Crutcher, a licensed mental health counselor who was onsite at ALA's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition's Community of Care room, offers a special guided meditation—a good reminder for all to prioritize our wellbeing.

It's that time of the year again: School is back in session, including for students working toward their master's degrees in library and information science. In Episode 86, Call Number looks at what's new in library school. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial explores iBlackCaucus, a student organization formed by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). She chats with Ana Ndumu, assistant professor in the College of Information Studies at University of Maryland in College Park; Shauntee Burns-Simpson, associate director at the Center for Educators and Schools at New York Public Library and immediate past president of BCALA; and Marlena Okechukwu, iBlackCaucus fellow and recent MLIS graduate who is now outreach coordinator at Hennepin County Law Library in Minneapolis. They discuss iBlackCaucus's mission of fostering camaraderie and creating mentorship in the field. Then, Panuncial learns more about the master's in library and information science and social work dual degree program at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She speaks with Peggy Ryan, director of Dominican University's School of Social Work's field education office; Don Hamerly, director of Dominican's School of Information Studies; and Molly Layton, current student in the program. They discuss the overlap between these two disciplines and why it's needed in library school.

Episode 85 of Call Number dives into the colorful world of comics, graphic novels, and manga. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Jenny Robb, head curator of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University in Columbus, which houses the world's largest collection of print cartoon art. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial hits the halls of ALA's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago for rapid-fire interviews with graphic novelists Harmony Becker, Kazu Kibuishi, Pedro Martín, and Dave Scheidt. They discussed their work and what comics, graphic novels, and manga influenced them. And finally, Panuncial chats with Jillian Rudes, school librarian at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in New York City. Rudes, who also serves as Japanese culture and manga librarian for the city's Department of Education, discusses the benefits of reading manga and her tips for librarians who want to develop manga collections.

The American Library Association's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in its hometown: Chicago! In Episode 84 of Call Number, find out where to go, what to see, and what to eat during your visit to the Second City. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Steve Dolinsky, author of The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares and Slices in the Windy City. He shares his favorite local spots and gives the deep dish on some little-known facts about Chicago pizza. Next, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett talks with Suzanne Karr Schmidt, curator of rare books and manuscripts at Newberry Library. They explore the library's Pop-Up Books Through the Ages exhibit, which will be on display during Annual. Then, members of the Call Number podcast team, episode guests, and local librarians share their must-do activities for a short Chicago trip. Finally, Panuncial chats with Liz Mason, manager of Quimby's Bookstore, a longstanding institution specializing in independent and small press books, comics, and zines. They discuss the city's zine scene and how librarians can incorporate these publications into their collections and programming. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

Small businesses are a big part of every community, and libraries offer a wealth of resources to support them. From research assistance to specialized programs and grants, libraries help entrepreneurs of all kinds flourish. In Episode 83, Call Number highlights how libraries and librarians are supporting small business owners—particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.  First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett talks with Madeleine Ildefonso, managing librarian at Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). They discuss LAPL's Be a Successful Street Vendor program, a new offering that provides educational resources for local street vendors. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Saira Raza, business librarian at Emory University in Atlanta. Raza shares how academic librarians can help students fine-tune their business ideas and create a plan for success. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

Providing programs and services that are both enriching and entertaining is a major goal of most librarians. In this bonus episode, sponsored by Kanopy, Call Number looks at how one librarian is using the video streaming service's platform to bring movies, television shows, and instructional programs to patrons at home while staying within her library's budget. American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Hope Harms, eResources librarian at Johnson County (Kans.) Library's Blue Valley branch to learn more about her library's journey navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Kanopy, and supporting today's job seekers and learners. For more information, visit kanopy.com or log in to Kanopy's virtual town hall event on April 25, where they'll share new summer initiatives; an exclusive, flash offer only available to live attendees; and some of the new titles added to their catalog, including Adventure Never Ends: A Tabletop Saga, which covers the mental and emotional health benefits of roleplaying games. The town hall is open to everyone. For your local times and how to register, visit bit.ly/kanopytownhall. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

When we discuss access to information, that includes information about our bodies and our health. Libraries have long been a lifeline to patrons looking to connect with health care resources, dispel misinformation, and find answers discreetly—even when our institutions are under attack. In Episode 82, Call Number explores sexual and reproductive health information at the library. First, ALA Editions Senior Editor Jamie Santoro chats with Barbara Alvarez, author of The Library's Guide to Sexual and Reproductive Health Information. Alvarez discusses a recent she conducted on how libraries provide such information and offers advice on what librarians can do to improve their services. Then, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Beth Myers. Myers is director of special collections at Smith College. The women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts is home to the Sophia Smith Collection of Women's History. The two discuss the value of curating a collection that prioritizes sexual and reproductive health and how libraries can form collections of their own. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

It's been three years since COVID-19 brought the country to a standstill. In March 2020, the pandemic shuttered library buildings and prompted staffers to shift programming and priorities for a changing world. In Episode 81, Call Number hears from three libraries that expanded, pivoted, and reimagined their offerings to reach community members who needed their services most. First, American Libraries Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy talks with John Schaffer, the voice behind Curbside Larry, the character who went viral in 2020 for his infomercial-style videos advertising curbside services at Harris County (Tex.) Public Library. Then, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Ray Baker, director of Miami-Dade Public Library System in Florida, about the Drive-Up Wi-Fi initiative the library started in the early days of the pandemic. Finally, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial chats with Julie Curry, principal of John K. Hubbard Elementary School in Noble, Oklahoma, and Courtney Gerow, signature services coordinator of Shawnee (Okla.) Public Library. The two are behind Sunday Stars, a tutoring program helping elementary school students across several counties recover from COVID-19 learning loss. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

Love is always in season at the library. Whether helping readers find their next fictional crush or offering couples space on their wedding day, the library is a perfect place to pair up. In Episode 80, Call Number is head-over-heels for romance. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Jill Maneikis, deputy director of special events at Boston Public Library, where more than 100 couples have rented the library's new $200, one-hour wedding venue. Next, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial talks with Robin Bradford, author of the upcoming Readers' Advisory Guide to Romance, and Jessica Pryde, author of Black Love Matters and cohost of Book Riot's When in Romance podcast. They discuss how the romance genre has diversified and how librarians can build a more inclusive romance collection for readers. Finally, ALA Editions Senior Editor Jamie Santoro and Panuncial chatted with attendees at ALA's recent LibLearnX conference in New Orleans, where they shared their favorite literary couples and romance tropes and what they love most about their libraries. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

New Orleans is famous for many things—its sights, bites, sounds, and culture. And this January, it's where the American Library Association's LibLearnX conference will make an in-person debut with a vibrant array of speakers, educational sessions, and more. So, let the good times roll—or, as the locals say, Laissez les bons temps rouler! In episode 79, Call Number highlights two beloved aspects of New Orleans: its music and its food. First, American Libraries associate editor Megan Bennett speaks with library associate Joshua Smith about New Orleans Public Library's new, free music streaming service, Crescent City Sounds. Then, members of the Call Number team and interviewees from this episode share their favorite New Orleans stops. Finally, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial discusses the Southern Food and Beverage Museum's new culinary library in St. Bernard Parish. She speaks with National Food and Beverage Foundation president and CEO Brent Rosen and Liz Williams, who established the foundation, about the library's collection of historical culinary artifacts, and their current exhibit on Louisiana's Filipino community and its influence on local cuisine. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

And just like that, 2022 is coming to an end. It's been a tumultuous time for the profession: We're on course for another record-breaking year of book challenges, politically driven groups are working to pass laws that censor materials and measures that defund libraries, and library workers continue to experience burnout. But one source of hope and inspiration has been the authors who have stepped up to advocate for—and sing the praises of—books, libraries, and democracy. In Episode 78, Call Number with American Libraries presents its "2022 Author Chats." Featured in this installment are never-before-released clips from conversations with actor John Cho; Newbery Medal–winning graphic novelist Jerry Craft; comic book artist Kevin Eastman; broadcast journalist Maria Hinojosa; Banned Books Week honorary chair George M. Johnson; historian Ibram X. Kendi; and Newbery Medal winners Cynthia Kadohata, Tae Keller, and Lois Lowry. Hear them share what roles libraries have played in their lives. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

In Episode 77 of Call Number, we explore the work of medical librarians by highlighting two initiatives presented at the 2022 Medical Library Association Annual Conference. First, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Jennifer Davis, Gail Kouame, and Lachelle Smith. The three collaborated on virtual reality programs that teach health science concepts in a new and engaging way at the Greenblatt Library at Augusta University in Georgia. Then, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski talks with Lynn Kysh and Kyle Horne, both of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, about the ins and outs of starting a specialized book club for pediatric hospital staff. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

Halloween is nearly here. And leading up to the holiday, many of us do all sorts of things to put ourselves in a spooky mood—take haunted hayrides, watch horror movies, carve pumpkins. Sometimes we dust off that shelf of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Anne Rice books, and sink our teeth into a terrifying story that keeps us up at night. In Episode 76 of Call Number with American Libraries, we examine what it is about the horror genre that fascinates us, sometimes repulses us, and yet keeps us coming back for more. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial talks with Goosebumps and Fear Street author R. L. Stine. In this interview from ALA's 2022 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., the two discuss what it's like writing horror for kids and how Stine fuses spooky and silly concepts in his books. Next, members of the Call Number podcast team and a couple of listeners answer the question: What horror or nonhorror movie scared you as a child, and does it still scare you? Finally, ALA Editions Senior Editor Jamie Santoro chats with Becky Spratford, a readers' advisory specialist based in Chicago. Spratford runs RA for All, a blog that connects librarians with book recommendations for patrons. She and Santoro discuss how to tailor horror media recommendations to different audiences and identify trends emerging in the horror genre today. [Episode here] For fun facts about the holiday, check out the By the Numbers section in the September/October issue of American Libraries. Next episode, we're exploring the marvels of medical libraries. Is there a story or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know at callnumber@ala.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.

These days, with our busy schedules, it can be difficult to find ways to develop professional skills. That's why Gale has partnered with Udemy Business, a vast marketplace for online learning, to offer public libraries a program called Gale Presents: Udemy. The program is an online platform that provides instruction through more than 17,000 video-based courses for adults who want to boost their skills for a new job, expand their knowledge in a current profession, or just deepen a personal interest. On this bonus episode of Call Number, host Diana Panuncial learns more about Gale Presents: Udemy from one of its instructors, Kyle Pew. Pew is a Microsoft-certified Trainer and a certified Microsoft Office Master Instructor, and he has been teaching and consulting for 20-plus years on various computer applications. He has facilitated courses that range from one-on-one interactions to large-scale groups of more than 100 participants, including live in-person classes, webinar-style classes, and live online multiweek courses. If you have feedback for the podcast team, send us an email or call us at 312-280-4218. You can also follow us on Twitter or SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

As any library staffer who has gone through a building renovation knows, significant behind-the-scenes work goes into updating or overhauling a facility. From working with architects to communicating with committees to soliciting community feedback, rethinking a library doesn't happen overnight. On Episode 75, the podcast team focuses on library design and architecture. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Michael Haddock, associate dean for research, education, and engagement at Kansas State University Libraries in Manhattan. They talk about the fire that damaged Hale Library in 2018, the flagship library of K-State, and how staffers have rallied around a rebuild. Then, former Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Amelia Anderson, assistant professor at Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and Abigail Phillips, assistant professor at the School of Information Studies at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. They discuss how to create public library makerspaces that are accessible for all.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has dominated headlines this year. The ongoing war has affected people globally, including American librarians and their work. In Episode 74, the Call Number podcast team looks at the ways the profession is supporting Ukraine. First, Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kristin Parker, lead curator and manager of the arts at Boston Public Library. Parker is part of a network of first responders working against the clock to preserve Ukraine's cultural history and provide preservation advice to library workers on the ground. Next, American Libraries Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy speaks with Michael Dowling, director of ALA's International and Chapter Relations Office, about the Association's Ukraine Library Relief Fund and how donations are being used. Finally, Panuncial talks to Millicent Mabi, director of community engagement and programming at Regina Public Library in Saskatchewan, about how her institution is helping Ukrainian refugees—from teaching them English to improving their literacy to connecting them with community resources. Next month's episode will focus on library design and architecture. We'd like to know: What design feature do you love best at your local library and why? Email us your answer or leave us a voicemail at 312-280-4218 and your submission could be featured. Is there a story or topic you'd love to hear us cover? Reach out and let us know. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

This year, the Newbery Medal celebrates 100 years of recognizing distinguished children's literature. In Episode 73, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial interviews four authors with four prior winners of the award: Jerry Craft, 2020 Newbery Medal winner for New Kid; Cynthia Kadohata, 2005 winner for Kira-Kira; Tae Keller, 2021 winner for When You Trap a Tiger; and Lois Lowry, two-time winner for Number the Stars in 1990 and The Giver in 1994. The authors share their memories of getting the call, what they hope kids are taking away from their books, and what projects they're working on these days. If you have feedback for the podcast team, email us at callnumber@ala.org or call us at 312-280-4216. Tell us what you liked, what you didn't like, and what you'd like to see us cover; we may feature your comment on a future episode. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

In less than two weeks, the American Library Association's 2022 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Washington, D.C.—the first in-person Annual Conference since the pandemic began. In Episode 72, we're gearing up to be together again in the nation's capital. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress and 2003–2004 ALA president. Hayden shares her favorite places to eat in Washington, D.C., as well as museums and exhibits that conference attendees should try to see when they're in town. Next, ALA staffers share their top tips for attending Annual. Finally, Sallyann Price, American Libraries associate editor, chats with Andy Shallal, founder of Busboys and Poets, a local restaurant where art, culture, and politics intersect—along with community and good food.

Among the public libraries implementing Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, a 21.5-credit online high school completion program, is Rolling Hills Library (RHL) in St. Joseph, Missouri. On this bonus episode of Call Number with American Libraries, sponsored by Gale, Diana Panuncial, associate editor of American Libraries and podcast host, speaks with Michelle Mears, director of RHL. They're joined by Brittany Smullin, a 30-year-old single mom who was the first public library graduate of the program this spring, and who took her classes through RHL. Mears and Smullin share their experiences about the value of the program and the impact it is having in their community. If you have feedback for the podcast team, send us an email or call us at 312-280-4218. You can also follow us on Twitter or SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

In Episode 71 of Call Number with American Libraries, “Setting Up for Self-Care,” we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May. The importance of self-care has become clearer than ever in recent years, especially in the age of the pandemic. In this episode, we look at some of the ways library workers have taken care of themselves—and others—in stressful times. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and podcast Diana Panuncial speaks with Randa Lopez Morgan, programming and events librarian for Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, about LSU's Relaxation Room and how it has helped students decompress during finals week. Next, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski interviews Rebecca Tolley, author of A Trauma-Informed Approach to Library Services (ALA Editions, 2020) and professor and librarian at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. They discuss what it takes to be a trauma-informed library and how institutions can prioritize the well-being of patrons and employees. Finally, Phil Morehart, communications manager for the American Library Association, chats with Michelle Schaub, library media specialist for Monona (Wis.) Grove High School. Schaub, who is also a certified yoga teacher, was featured in the Bookend section of the March/April issue of American Libraries for implementing yoga classes and promoting mental wellness at her school. If you have feedback for the podcast team, send us an email or call us at 312-280-4218. You can also follow us on Twitter or SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

This episode, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month and Money Smart Week, which runs April 9–16. Our show looks at three big questions around money: How can we raise it? How can we save it? And how do we spend it responsibly? First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price chats with Jennifer Byrnes, supervisor of the Business Insight Center at Rochester Public Library in New York. She manages the Money Builders, a camp that helps to build refugee kids' early financial literacy. Then, Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy talks with Joyce Garczynski and Karlene Noel Jennings, members of ALA's Philanthropic Advisory Group. They discuss the ins and outs of donating to causes and charities and advocating for nonprofit organizations with your dollars. Finally, Associate Editor and Call Number Podcast Host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kyra Hahn, founder of the Facebook group Librarian 4 PSLF. They cover the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the specific challenges librarians face when repaying their student loans.

Episode 52, “Libraries and Sustainability”—which originally aired in July 2020—looks at how librarians were living green at the library and in their own lives before the COVID-19 pandemic began. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Gabrielle Griffis, assistant youth services librarian at Brewster (Mass.) Ladies Library, about the Blue Marble Librarians, a group that helped promote Climate Prep Week across the state in 2019. Then, ALA Editions Acquisitions Editor Jamie Santoro speaks with René Tanner, associate liaison librarian for the humanities division at Arizona State University (ASU), and Susan Norton, program manager at ASU's University Sustainability Practices, about the sustainability programs they implemented at their school. Finally, American Libraries Editorial and Advertising Associate Carrie Smith speaks with three library workers from Queens (N.Y.) Public Library who biked from New York City to the 2020 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia to raise awareness for sustainability.

While American Libraries is busy searching for its new podcast host, we thought we'd dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we're replaying Episode 35, “Fostering New Businesses,” which originally aired in February 2019. Three years ago, we released this installment to coincide with National Entrepreneurship Week, which this year is being observed February 12–19. The advice in this episode is relevant to trends libraries have been seeing during the pandemic: small businesses are looking for assistance, libraries are pivoting their business resources to the online environment, and many people who lost or quit jobs are turning to entrepreneurship for the first time. In this episode, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski interviews Amy Fisher, information and reader services manager, and Morgan Perry, business outreach specialist, both from Mid-Continent Public Library in Missouri. They talk about the how the library's Square One Business Services program helps the community, including a growing food business sector. Next, former Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Roosevelt Weeks, director of Austin Public Library in Texas. They discuss how the library's entrepreneurship programs complement the city's vibrant start-up scene.

While we're busy searching for our new Call Number host, we thought we'd dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we're replaying our sixth episode, “Banned Books,” which originally aired in October 2016. In 2021, libraries across the country saw a record number of book challenges, and the wisdom of this episode from five years ago is—unfortunately—just as applicable today. In this episode, former host Phil Morehart first interviews James LaRue, the then-executive director of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. They discuss book challenges and bans—why they happen and what libraries can do to protect themselves. Next he talks to Sara Stevenson, a librarian at O. Henry Middle School in Austin, Texas, who faced a book challenge over the John Green YA novel Looking for Alaska. And finally, he talks to Marjane Satrapi, author of the award-winning graphic novel Persepolis, about how her book was being briefly banned at a Chicago high school and the nature of censorship.

In Episode 69, Call Number with American Libraries looks back on interviews—with authors and ALA conference speakers—conducted by American Libraries staffers during 2021. Featured in this episode are never-before-released clips from conversations with Fox Sports analyst and former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho; acclaimed writer Isabel Allende; reggae musician and philanthropist Ziggy Marley; TV host and producer Padma Lakshmi; bestselling horror author Max Brooks; Dance Theatre of Harlem alumni Judy Tyrus and Paul Novosel; and lawyer and speaker Savala Nolan.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an American institution, instilling the importance of literacy and learning—and a love of words—in generations of children since its founding more than 95 years ago. Beyond word lists, the Bee provides reading lists, a book club, and additional resources, creating a rich ecosystem that helps spellers contextualize the words they are studying and educators get involved. On this bonus episode of Call Number with American Libraries, sponsored by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Phil Morehart, communications manager for the American Library Association, talks with J. Michael Durnil, executive director of the Bee. They discuss how the Scripps National Spelling Bee has changed over time, the benefits of participating, how libraries can support the Bee, and more.

As November draws to a close, thoughts naturally turn toward food. It brings people together, bridges cultures and divides, and can be used as a teaching tool, providing insights into everything from history and politics to mathematics and problem-solving. On Episode 68, Call Number with American Libraries looks at the wonderful world of food. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with model, author, and Top Chef host and producer Padma Lakshmi about the intersection of cooking and family and the value of creating space for everyone's food story. Next, American Libraries Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy speaks with Hannah Appleby-Wineberg, library intern at America's Test Kitchen, about working on the popular television show and how its library is used to develop recipes. Finally, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price talks with author Mayukh Sen about his book Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America.

For more than a year, educators, school librarians, and administrators have been responding and adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring, Gale, a Cengage Company, and the American Library Association (ALA) partnered to rejuvenate Gale's guide to best practices for school librarians. For this Agents of Change 2.0 paper, ALA spoke with educators and administrators working through the crisis and surveyed more than 500 school librarians about their processes and perspectives. On this bonus episode of Call Number with American Libraries, sponsored by Gale, Maggie Reagan, senior editor of books for youth at Booklist, talks with Jessica Klinker, head librarian at Franklin Heights High School in Columbus, Ohio—one of the librarians whose feedback helped shape the Agents of Change 2.0 paper. They discuss Klinker's experiences working during the pandemic, the pandemic's effects on students, the importance of social-emotional learning, and more.

In his 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, George A. Romero unleashed the modern zombie upon the world. These reanimated corpses with a hunger for human flesh have taken many forms over the years, from slow, shambling ghouls to fast, menacing creatures. But why do they endure? What is it about zombies that fascinates and frightens us? And how have libraries gotten into the action? In Episode 67, Call Number with American Libraries celebrates Halloween with a look at libraries and the living dead. First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Ben Rubin, horror studies collection coordinator at University of Pittsburgh Library System, about the George A. Romero Archival Collection, which was gifted to the school after the filmmaker's death in 2017. Next American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski talks with Amy Dennis, programming and public relations librarian at Tom Green County (Texas) Library System, about the library's zombie doll program for youth. And finally, Morehart speaks with Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant), author of the Newsflesh trilogy of zombie novels, about the books' inspiration and legacy.

In Episode 66, Call Number with American Libraries looks at two libraries featured in American Libraries magazine's 2021 Library Design Showcase. First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Heather Hart, manager of Salt Lake City Public Library's Sprague branch, about renovations that were made to the 93-year-old, English Tudor–style library after a flood destroyed much of the building in 2017. Next, Morehart talks with Sean Ngo from architecture firm DLR Group about constructing the Cybrarium, a new technology-focused library in Homestead, Florida.

Librarians in the US serve different populations, each with a distinct set of needs. Among those are veterans, who often face unique challenges when returning to civilian life after their military service ends. Many of them turn to the library for help and resources, so it's essential for library workers to know more about this community to better serve its members. On Episode 65 of Call Number with American Libraries, we look at library services to veterans. First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Angela Maranville, a US Air Force veteran and director of knowledge access and resource management at West Virginia University (WVU) Libraries in Morgantown. They talk about her experiences as a veteran in the library profession as well as services that WVU Libraries offers for the university's student veterans. Next, Morehart speaks with Michael Steinmacher, director of Barr Memorial Library in Fort Knox, Kentucky, about libraries on military bases and the services they provide for vets and enlisted members.

Since its emergence in New York City in the late 1970s, hip-hop has grown to become a musical, cultural, and economic force around the world. And it's been embraced by libraries, which are using the art form for community outreach, teaching, preservation, and more. In Episode 64, Call Number with American Libraries looks at libraries and hip-hop. First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Ralph McDaniels, the hip-hop luminary who created the influential Video Music Box show in the early 1980s and who now serves as hip-hop coordinator at Queens (N.Y.) Public Library. Next, Morehart talks with Joquetta Johnson, a specialist in the department of equity and cultural proficiency at Baltimore County (Md.) Public Schools, about her work using hip-hop as a teaching tool.

In Episode 63, Call Number with American Libraries looks at outdoor-related activities with conversations about bugs, beach reads, and outdoor learning. First, ALA Editions Senior Acquisitions Editor Rachel Chance speaks with Erin Rothenbuehler and Sean Duffy from Ohio County (W.V.) Public Library about a series of programs the library offers on bugs, most notably the Brood Ten cicadas. Next American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price talks with Susan Maguire, Senior Editor, Collection Management and Library Outreach, at Booklist, and host of the Shelf Care podcast, about this summer's best beach reads. Finally, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Denni Grassel, director of Delmont (Penn.) Library, about Delmont's new outdoor learning center.

In Episode 62, Call Number with American Libraries looks at law librarianship through conversations with law librarians representing two different areas of the profession. First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Emily Florio, senior research services manager at international law firm Hogan Lovells and president of the American Association of Law Libraries, who provides a glimpse into the life and work of a law librarian. Next, Morehart talks with Anne Lucke, librarian at the National Indian Law Library in Boulder, Colorado, about why it’s important to have a library dedicated entirely to tribal law, the library’s materials, and other topics.

In this special bonus episode, Call Number with American Libraries celebrates Preservation Week by looking at the 1619 Project, which uses historical records, essays, photos, audio, and more to reframe the consequences of slavery in the US and highlight the contributions of Black people to the American experience. American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of the 1619 Project and honorary chair of Preservation Week, about the project’s origins, her team’s research, controversies surrounding the project, and why community archives are vital to preserving history.